India and Slovakia moved forward Monday, signing several memoranda of understanding (MoUs). Deal covers defence,labour mobility,education,digital tech. They're calling it 'Comprehensive Partnership.'
On quick stop in Bratislava,Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed excitement about talks with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Modi said it marked key moment for India-Slovakia ties, being first visit by Indian PM since Slovakia's 1993 independence. “This is indeed very special moment for the India-Slovakia friendship,” he noted.
Focus was on ramping up cooperation in autos,railways,advanced manufacturing,green tech. Modi emphasized upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement would lift their partnership. Both nations want to boost trade and investment,especially in automotive,electronics sectors.
Important agreement is MoU on labour migration, meant to streamline worker movement,information sharing. They're also considering social security pact to support this. Another MoU between higher education ministries aims to boost academic ties,especially in STEM fields.
In solidarity,Modi and Fico inspected guard of honour at Bratislava Castle. They also signed Letter of Intent for defence cooperation,welcomed by both sides. This framework will bolster defence tech and R&D collaborations.
The digital tech MoU targets cooperation in AI,semiconductors,and start-ups. Both nations eager to explore emerging tech like IoT,6G standardization .
On security,Modi and Fico agreed to set up Joint Working Group on Terrorism. They condemned April 2025 Pahalgam terror attacks,urged progress on Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at UN. Called for action against terrorists,especially those listed by UN Security Council .
Both countries backed multilateralism,pushed for UN reforms including expanding Security Council seats. Slovakia reaffirmed backing for India’s bid for permanent UNSC seat,its position on India joining Nuclear Suppliers Group.
Later,Modi met business leaders in Bratislava,planned for dinner with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. The discussions and agreements from this visit… what will they mean in long run?
